INPUT OUTPUT DEVICES

Howdy folks!

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let's focus on INPUT AND OUTPUT DEVICES!

INPUT DEVICES: DEFINITION

• Input Devices are used to enter data into the computer.
• Some input devices transmit data in the form of instructions, like a mouse and joystick.
• Other type of input devices such as the keyboard, enable the entry of text.
• The keyboard remains the most common device used for direct input into computers.

Keyboards: how many types do we know?

QWERTY Keyboards: are the most common type. Their name comes from the first row of letters on the left of the keyboard. Each key is connected to a switch which closes when the key is pressed and this sends a signal to the CPU. VIRTUAL Keyboards: they are commonly used as an on-screen input method, in devices which do not have physical keyboard (tablet computer, touchscreen-equipped mobile phone). Virtual keyboards are common but fiddly to use.

The Mouse

What is it?

structure:

The mouse is another important Input device. It is used to move the cursor on the screen. It is similar to a mouse because it has a tail in the form of the cable.

• Buttons: we use them to drag something across the screen.

• A ball under the mouse: it allows the computer to work out the direction and distance.

Other examples

LAPTOPS: they have tracker balls which work in the same way as a mouse, but the ball is moved by the hand.

TOUCHPADS: they look like small screens,you move your finger across the pad.

GRAPHICS PADS: they are used to make drawings more accurate.

SCANNERS: they convert images into digital data. The computer builds up a map of the information.

now, let's focus on output devices!

what is the output device?

An output is the resulting information sent by the computer after data decodification.There are two main types of output devices which are: screens and printers. Let's see this latter in details....

Screens and Printer

Screens (or monitor)

Printer

Screens have different sizes and are in colour.Both laptop and desktop computers use a TFT/LCD system which uses less power and does not take up much space desk.In fact, it is easier to run than plasma screens.

There are two main types of printers: Laser printers and Ink-jet printers. Let's see in details these two types of printers...

laser printers

Laser printers are used for business and personal needs.They use a laser beam to print images on paper. This type of printers, use a toner that lasts longer than any other type.

ink-jet printers

This type of printers are popular with home users since they are cheap to buy.Their function is to spray ink onto the paper. Ink-jet printers are smaller than laser printers, but more expensive to run.

More about output devices...

Now, let's focus on other types of output device which have their own functions and peculiarities.Multi function printer (MFP): they are all-in-one printers that can print, scan, fax and copy. As prices come down overtime, users have more and more features which are introduced by manufacturers, such as colours LCD players.

Wireless Internet printers

They can access Internet without an Internet cable.Functions: 1.They allow you to look up driving directions using your printer's interface . We call them WEB enabled MFPS. 2. They offer services beyond those available on your ordinary computer.

catch ya!